Have you ever considered a health care career but don’t want to spend years in school?
Learn how to become a Pharmacy Technician in Tennessee in less than a year.
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Licensing Requirement to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Tennessee
The Tennessee Board of Pharmacy or the Department of Health doesn’t indicate in plain sight any need for licensing or registration.
However, you still need to make sure the training you receive does meet national certification standards.
Several sources do say you need to complete a pharmacy registry, but ask the state or qualified instructor if you’re not sure.
Furthermore, you will have to uphold strict protocol if you decide to become a licensed Pharmacist.
If you do decide to pursue pharmaceutical work, you must follow the training guidelines set by the pharmacy board and the state.
A common certification path is for students to seek Pharmacy Technician Certification Board certification.
This usually comes with studying materials that prepare you for a related exam.
Your training should reflect this.
However, TN doesn’t require certification for Pharmacy Technicians – just for Licensed Pharmacists.
Whatever training you receive, it would be wise to make sure it meets American Society of Health System Pharmacist (ASHP) standards.
1. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
The University of Tennessee offers several continuing education options for both Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists.
Pharmacy Technicians often participate in these to further their studies toward becoming a Pharmacist. 
You can use these for certificate renewal as well.
They provide you with updated information concerning technology, methods, and legalities associated with working in a pharmacy.
In addition, you can complete the infection control courses you need when preparing prescriptions.
2. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC)
You can complete this work-based training program in as little time as eight weeks.
It prepares you to start working as soon as possible with limited abilities until you complete certificate coursework.
The instruction offered is not covered by financial aid.
However, the cost is more than 50% less expensive than some TN certificate programs offered.
It’s designed to employ you as quickly as possible while working with local healthcare facilities and retail stores that approve of this training.
3. Southwest Tennessee Community College
You can attend a two-semester Pharmacy Technical Certificate program.
It typically starts once a semester, so that gives you two times a year to begin.
Keep in mind, however, that your best experience will come with making sure you time your term start date with the program calendar.
This training will prepare you for your PTCB exam, and it has received accreditation by ASHP.
During this time, you will gain experience working in different pharmacy settings.
Afterward, you’ll know what it’s like to work in a retail store or a hospital, for instance.
4. University of Tennessee – Martin
It’s one of several locations that offer online training for Pharmacy Technician employment.
This campus teamed up with Health Ed Today to deliver your coursework. 
Your training will prepare you for specialist and general pharmaceutical work in doctor’s offices.
In addition, you’ll become confident in working for a retail setting or a long-term care facility.
You might find other community organizations, such as public clinics, that hire pharmacists too.
Spending time in the Martin online training will prepare you for all these settings.
5. Rasmussen University
Rasmussen has a variety of healthcare training programs they offer at one of their 22 campuses.
In addition, you can enroll in their online Pharmacy Technician program. 
You will attend core healthcare courses that teach you terminology and billing codes.
In addition, your coursework will show you how to read medicine labels and prepare prescriptions for patients.
After this training, you can start working in a hospital, store, or long-term care center.
Some doctor’s offices or public clinics have a pharmacy department too.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Tennessee
Top 5 Schools in Tennessee
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The University of Tennessee Health Science Center | 920 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38163 |
| University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) | 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403 |
| Southwest Tennessee Community College | 737 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103 |
| University of Tennessee – Martin | 554 University St, Martin, TN 38237 |
| Rasmussen University | 85 Douglas Ave Suite #1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Tennessee
You can start out earning an annual income of about $33,811 in Tennessee as reported in July 2022.
Your yearly salary may range from $30,489 to $37,727.
Taking additional classes and gaining more experience could increase your salary to more than $41,293.
Some places you can find entry-level Pharmacy Technician jobs include Chattanooga, Memphis and Nashville.
You can also try smaller communities, such as Jonesborough, Townsend, or Lynchburg.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Pharmacy Technicians in Tennessee
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Memphis | $34,500 |
| Nashville-Davidson | $34,600 |
| Knoxville | $34,200 |
| Chattanooga | $33,600 |
| Clarksville | $33,900 |
| Murfreesboro | $34,400 |
| Jackson | $34,300 |
| Johnson City | $32,400 |
| Kingsport | $32,600 |
| Franklin | $34,500 |
Regional Salary in Tennessee
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 980 | $39,400 | $18.94 | $49,510 | $29,580 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 380 | $38,940 | $18.72 | $47,980 | $30,010 |
| Cleveland, TN | 190 | $36,910 | $17.74 | $45,550 | $29,060 |
| Jackson, TN | 240 | $37,850 | $18.2 | $47,470 | $29,640 |
| Johnson City, TN | 450 | $37,590 | $18.07 | $49,000 | $29,110 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA | 580 | $37,130 | $17.85 | $45,910 | $28,980 |
| Knoxville, TN | 1,580 | $37,630 | $18.09 | $46,700 | $30,020 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 2,110 | $40,420 | $19.43 | $49,000 | $30,510 |
| Morristown, TN | 230 | $36,290 | $17.45 | $45,490 | $28,080 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 3,920 | $40,580 | $19.51 | $48,550 | $30,820 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What training path does a TN Pharmacy Technician take?
It’s most common for them to enroll in a certificate program that takes about 12 months to complete.
However, they may end up working sooner if they sign up for a workforce program.
Do you have to pay for Pharmacy Technician certification?
You do pay an exam fee, which varies.
The entry-level PTCB certificate (CPht) exam application fee is $129.
Additional costs may apply.
How much does the Pharmacy Tech schooling cost?
It may not cost you any money at all.
That depends if you seek financial aid or find an employer who will pay for your training.
If you do pay for it yourself, it may run about $3,000-$3,000 for the initial certificate program.
There are some schools and employers that will pay for your national certification exam, by the way.
Do your research before you invest in your learning.
